Could Knee Bracing Help Your ACL Injury?
What is an ACL Injury?
If you’re an athlete, the chances are you’ve probably had a knee injury at some point in your life. One of the most common knee injuries in sports is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear.
There’s no doubt that you have probably heard this term thrown around on TV, the internet or from a friend, but what actually is an ACL injury?
Your ACL is a ligament that connects your thigh (femur) to your shin (tibia). It is a very strong structure that helps stabilize your knee. An ACL injury is when this ligament is stretched or completely torn.
In sports, the ACL can become injured when you:
- Change directions quickly
- Twist your planted foot
- Stop suddenly on a straight knee
- Overextend your knee
If you are interested in preventing a future ACL injury and keeping your knee pain-free, read our blog on ACL injury prevention!
Symptoms of an ACL Injury
One of the first things you may notice when you injure your ACL is a “snapping” or “popping” sensation within your knee. This may or may not be accompanied by pain
You may also have a sense of instability in your knee along with swelling and a decreased range of motion (ROM).
Treatment for ACL Injury
The treatment for your injured ACL depends on the severity of the tear and your specific situation. If your tear is relatively minor, your doctor might recommend managing it conservatively with physiotherapy. However, if it is a grade III (complete tear), surgery may be right for you.
Whether you and your doctor decide to manage your ACL with surgery or physiotherapy, knee bracing may be a part of your rehab.
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Types of Knee Braces
There are many different types of knee braces that may or may not be appropriate for you and your specific knee injury. The five main kinds of knee braces are:
- Rehabilitative braces
- These limit movement and provide support to your knee when it is healing from an injury or surgery. These are generally used for a short duration of time.
- Functional braces
- These are knee braces designed to support your knee if it has already been injured. They are often used for day-to-day activities for a longer time than rehabilitative braces.
- Prophylactic braces
- These braces are used to protect your knees from injury during specific activities like hockey or other contact sports.
- Custom braces
- These are braces crafted to support your knee specifically. These braces must be measured by a trained clinician and can only be custom ordered.
The most common knee braces used after an ACL injury are functional braces or custom braces.
Benefits of Knee Bracing for ACL Injury
- Provides medial and lateral support to the knee
- Reduces and prevents excessive rotation of the knee
- Provides proprioception and feedback
- Protects your ACL graft post-surgically while healing, or when your return to sports/activities
- Reduces pain
For more information about how knee bracing can help knee pain, read our blog!
What To Look for In a Brace for an ACL Injury
Not all braces are created equal! When choosing a brace some things to consider include:
- Support: Right now, your knee is less stable than it usually this. Because of this, your knee brace needs to provide you firm support.
- Mobility: While bracing can help significantly, the most important part of your rehab will be exercise and activity. Your knee brace should not prevent you from bending and straightening your knee.
- Comfort: This brace is something you will likely be wearing for quite some time so it needs to be comfortable!
How To Get a Knee Brace
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Once you begin rehab after your ACL injury, your physiotherapist will likely assess your knee for a brace. This assessment will include taking your knee through its range of motion and measuring your leg size.
Based on this assessment, your physiotherapist will choose a brace that meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
While knee bracing can be very helpful in managing your ACL Injury, it is only one part of the picture.
Your physiotherapist will create a comprehensive treatment plan to optimize your recovery and reduce your chance of re-injury. Along with possibly bracing, this plan may include:
If you have injured your ACL and you are thinking about bracing, book an appointment today for a free 20-minute consultation where you can get honest advice from one of our physiotherapists!
This blog was written by Luke Gregg, a Physiotherapy student at the University of Toronto
FAQ
How long should I wear my knee brace?
This depends on the type of knee brace you are wearing as well as the reason you are wearing it! At the end of the day, your physiotherapist will give you specific guidelines for when you should and should be wearing your brace.
Do I still need to do my exercises if wear my knee brace?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, of course! While bracing can be very helpful in reducing pain and allowing your knee to heal, wearing a knee brace isn’t a shortcut to stopping knee pain. Bracing is only one piece of the puzzle to help get you back to full health!
How do I take care of my knee brace?
This is one of the most asked knee brace questions. While manufacturers may provide specific maintenance instructions, a few basic tips for keeping your running knee brace in good condition include inspecting the brace frequently for wear, regularly cleaning it with soap to keep it clear of bacteria and covering exposed metal to reduce the risk of injury.